Entertainment Briefs — Feb. 2

Enjoy a beer and help out the Brainerd Public Schools Foundation at the same time from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2.

Domino's Pizza will be at the fundraiser with pizza available for a goodwill donation, and $1 from every beer sold will go directly to the Brainerd Public Schools Foundation. You can also pick up your Big Event virtual "Party in a Box" and secure Big Event raffle tickets at the same time.

Interested in learning more? Representatives from the Brainerd Public Schools Foundation will be on hand to talk about their impact on the community.

For more information, call 218-270-8072 or email info@jackpinebrewery.com .

“An Original Angle: A Modern Take On Japanese Kumiko” features the abstract wood art of artist Vince Cook.

The exhibit opens Friday, Feb. 4, and will be on display in our gallery through Feb. 26 at the Crossing Arts Alliance gallery at 711 Laurel St. in downtown Brainerd. Hours are 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.

Based on the ancient Japanese craft of Kumiko, Cook's pieces begin with a latticework that is created and filled with intricate designs made from small pieces of wood, which are precisely hand cut and angled so they fit together based solely on tension.

Using traditional patterns and combining them to create overlapping designs, he forms geometric shapes of squares and hexagons, designs that represent plants and animals, and others that have deep meanings of prosperity, happiness, etc.

Each piece illuminates the beauty of geometry and joinery, through both their design aspects as well as the various colors and textures of woods that are used.

Contributed / Crossing Arts Alliance

Traditionally the craft of Kumiko was used as decoration in shoji screens, the wall dividers in homes and offices in Japan; and now it is also found in furniture and artwork.

Cook continues to use many of the traditional techniques, materials and ideas in his work today, while also adding his own personal artistic visions.

This exhibition features around 30 pieces created in this unique craft and ranges from simple designs to more elaborate and complex ones. View each piece from a different angle, as light and shadows can change the designs within a piece.

This exhibition is funded, in part, by the voters of Minnesota through grants from Five Wings Arts Council and the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

For more information, call 218-833-0416 or email info@crossingarts.org .

Heartland Poets , a local chapter of the League of Minnesota Poets, will have its monthly meeting from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, in the large room of the Brainerd Public Library.

To kick off the meeting, bring poems by others or your own to read at the podium. This is an opportunity to hone your presentation skills.

A discussion will follow regarding future writing and publishing opportunities for poets. Bring your information to share with others. Copies of poems in progress will be shared afterward. Please bring copies so that others may better appreciate your efforts.

Refreshments will be served. This meeting is free and open to the public.

Hear Central Lakes Colleges brass, woodwind and percussion ensembles perform from 7:30-8:45 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8.

Attendees may join via livestream at https://bit.ly/3HjGpo2 .

The Central Lakes Community Performing Arts Center has announced the new date for the postponed Jan. 21 concert of “I Am … He Said: A Celebration of the Music of Neil Diamond.”

The rescheduled concert will take place at 7 p.m. June 11 in the Gichi-Ziibi Center for the Arts in Brainerd.

Tickets for the Jan. 21 concert will be honored at the door for the June 11 concert performed by Matt Vee , and his family and friends.

Contributed / Patrick Spradlin

With songs like "Cracklin' Rosie," "Song Sung Blue" and "Sweet Caroline," Diamond has sold over 100 million records worldwide.

This nostalgic celebration stars Vee, nephew of the late 1960s pop star and teen idol, Bobby Vee.

Masking protocols and voluntary social distancing in the auditorium will be in effect. For more information, visit www.clcperformingarts.com .